Local Government Biodiversity Learning Network

Biodiversity management practitioners from local and national government in South Africa will be sharing their experiences at a virtual forum on 22 September 2021. This learning event is hosted by the Local Government Biodiversity Learning Network, an initiative of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.

The event will provide an opportunity for municipal peer learning exchanges on biodiversity management for ecosystem restoration and discuss opportunities for funding and technical support. The theme of the event is ‘The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’, in line with the global 10-year ecosystem restoration programme launched by the United Nations in 2021 with the aim of restoring ecosystems following the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Municipalities play an integral role in the implementation of the SDGs, and should consequently be further empowered to restore and preserve ecosystems.

This event will be of particular interest to environmental practitioners in Metropolitan, District and Local municipalities; Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment local government support personnel; District Development Hub personnel in District and Metropolitan municipalities; Spatial planning and land use management personnel in Metropolitan, District and Local municipalities; Provincial environmental affairs departments and their conservation agencies; National Government Departments and Non-governmental organisations working on biodiversity management and research.

RSVP by 20th September 2021 with Ms Khaya Gumede (kgumede@salga.org.za) to attend.

Objectives of the learning event:

• To engage with the community of practice of biodiversity professionals to enable them to share lessons about the implementation of biodiversity related projects.
• To capture implementation challenges and solutions, particularly with the intention of “Making the Case” for biodiversity funding models and allocations.
• To engage on strategies to enhance investment in ecological infrastructure and promote nature-based solutions in land use management practices.
• To foster relationships and partnerships between municipalities for ongoing exchanges and shared services.